Setting up a new server, what to know?

Going to use PebbleHost to set up a new server, private for about 10 friends atm. Trying to find resources online as a "new admins" guide sort of things or general advice. no mod packs or anything but gonna use a fair bit of datapacks. any tips or must have things to put on the server?
also looking for opions on a paper server vs a fabric one (to run things like lithium)